Special Olympics World Winter Games

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are under way in PyeongChang, South Korea. For all the latest news and updates, visit www.specialolympics.ca

Feb. 5 - Special Olympics Team Canada closed out the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games by going two for two in medals by our floor hockey squads and raking in another raft of snow sports medals, including alpine skier Michael Gilbert completing his hat trick of gold medals, all of which sent the team's overall medal total to a new Canadian record.

Team Canada West jumped out to an early lead in their gold-medal game against Mexico and never took their hands off the throttle, propelling themselves to a 3-1 victory with two goals by Lee Salzl and one by Mike Siwy along with stalwart defending and clutch goaltending by Tyler Gilbert. When the buzzer sounded, they and their many Canadian fans in the stands – family, friends, and teammates – erupted in joy.

"It's my dream come true, bringing home a medal," Siwy said. The team had extra motivation to win gold because one of their strong defenders, Dean Boechler, was sidelined by illness and unable to play for gold. Salzl and others said they did it for him.

Team Canada East then took on Bangladesh in a closely fought nail biter. Bangladesh's early pressure allowed them to hold onto their slim lead and hold off Team Canada East's mounting intensity as they sought to find the back of the net. But they were stymied in this match of equals, and Bangladesh earned the 2-0 victory.